What is the best way to express your feelings? Should you merely do whatever comes to mind in sharing an emotion? Is it better to keep certain feelings to yourself? What if you simply don't know what to do about an emotion that is suddenly sweeping over you?

Let's take a look at some strong emotions and how to tell if you are expressing those feelings in a healthy or unhealthy manner.

Love is powerful– it is a driving force for many of us, whether it be providing for a child, maintaining contact with a dear friend who lives miles away or snuggling up with a spouse or romantic partner at the end of a long day. Once we have achieved happiness, we strive to keep it.

Express Your Feelings Positively

Unfortunately love and happiness may not always be expressed in a healthy way. As fantastic as it is that you have found a soul mate (whether romantically or platonically), you and that person still need space, literally and figuratively. There will come a time when you want to watch different programs or work on different projects, and separate rooms may be the only solution. Not every interest has to be pursued together, which is probably a good thing. If you did share every waking moment, monotony would likely set in over time.

We tend to put others before us, but that graciousness should be monitored. Is there a motive behind putting others first? Does your happiness rely on the happiness of others? If so, you could find your good intentions bending more toward overbearing behavior, which few people appreciate.

The mother who calls her adult child constantly until getting an answer, grills her about every little detail and never feels her child’s choices are good enough is displaying overbearing behavior. Does you partner still question your sincerity or loyalty? This falls into the same category.

Are you ready to manifest love and happiness in a variety of feel-good ways? Try these tips to get started:* Cook a favorite meal for someone you love.* Dedicate a piece of handcrafted art to the intended.

* Send a card on a non-holiday or celebratory day.

* Spend time playing a favorite game with a younger child. * Send an item of interest to an older child who no longer lives at home.

* Bring in breakfast for the office.* Send virtual flowers (or the real thing) to a beloved.* Tell someone you will always be there for her.

Dealing with Emotional Distress

Sadness is another consuming emotion. Financial troubles, difficulty in finding a job, losing a job, and major setbacks can cause emotional distress. Ending a relationship is personally upsetting, but sometimes news broadcasts of disasters can put us in a funk too.

You may not think anyone else can comprehend your emotional pain, but is it better to keep your feelings bottled up inside? Most experts agree that without a proper release, people have a hard time healing from emotional pain.

Other unhealthy means of dealing with sadness include substance abuse, isolation and destructive behavior, such as hurting others through bodily harm, practicing unsafe sex and driving recklessly. Yes, you need to confront the issue and its effects; denial and anger can be part of the grieving process, but outlets will be of much greater benefit.

It's OK To Express My Feelings

Cry. If you have experienced something terrible, crying is beginning the release of those painful feelings. Cry in front of others and talk to someone about your thoughts. Find a means of support, and consider counseling as an additional resource. A journal may come in handy, but revealing those contents is entirely up to you.

Although exercise and physical activities do not have an immediate appeal when you’re feeling depressed, they can be a great way to express feelings in a positive outlet, providing temporary releases from dwelling on distress. Become involved with a charity, volunteer your time and get an animal companion to help ease your emotional upset.

A diagnosed illness, a financial dare or worry about the future can leave you feeling a great sense of uncertainty. In response, some people turn inward, distancing themselves from others and becoming extremely introverted. Though spending time by yourself can help you recover in your own way, people need people. Developing a negative outlook, losing hope and allowing panic to set in leads to depression, not recovery.

It's scary to be uncertain. Most people don’t like the mystery of the future; they prefer to play it safe to guard against what “could” happen. It is important to accept and realize you may not be in full control of an actual bad event or happening, but that you can control the feelings from becoming overwhelming.

Channel your anxiety into a productive or proactive activity, hobby or endeavor. See if there are any improvements you can make to your health, such as weight loss or gain, lowering blood pressure or abstaining from harmful addictions. Research support groups for people who have the same concerns as you, virtual and in person. Once you have identified the core reason behind your feelings, look for ways to improve your mood and outlook on life.

How to Express Your Negative Feelings

Are you really worked up over an issue or situation? Are you feeling angry, jealous or envious? If you find yourself obsessing over someone or pressuring someone to stay in a relationship that is clearly not working, it’s time to change direction. Constant distrust and suspicion are negative signs; learn to understand them better before they turn into possessiveness, harassment or behaviors that are abusive.

When aggravated emotions like these surface, analyze them. What nerve, history or memories are they triggering? Recognize that everyone has a past, and if people or circumstances from those pasts reappear, you will not necessarily lose your place in this world.

Have an open and honest discussion with whoever you need to, in a professional capacity or personal relation, to explore how best to resolve or eliminate negativity. Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, get involved in faith-based groups if applicable and end unhealthy relationships that are hindering your growth.

Now that you have identified several healthy ways to express your feelings, you can create a system to maintain that protocol. Feelings are universal, and communication is the key to opening up paths for those emotions to flow. Take your time to reach resolutions and reflect on a better you. Good luck!

How Do You Deal with Difficult Emotions?

It's natural to experience anger, jealousy, hurt - even though your mother told you that "a frown doesn't suit your pretty face, Dear!" But have you ever felt so overwhelmed by these emotions, or that you spend too much energy getting over them? Everyone could use some healthy options for dealing with difficult emotions. Find out how well you deal with suffering in this difficult emotions quiz.